Obesity rates are increasing in Maryland. In 2011, Maryland was the 26th fattest state in the country. Now, the state ranks 22.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention projects that obesity rates in the United States and Maryland will increase.

Fast foods remain a culprit. Even Olympian Gabby Douglas, who has a lot on the line when it comes to watching her weight, admitted to a love for Egg McMuffins as she sat next to First Lady Michelle Obama on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

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"Gabby, you're setting me back Gabby," said Obama, who was on the show to promote -- ironically -- her childhood obesity campaign.

Mississippi beat out Maryland with a obesity rate of 34.9 percent. Colorado fared best with a 20.7 percent rate.

Liao said he isn't surprised in the least by the report's findings, especially Maryland's rate.

"Here in Maryland, that's been the trend even before this report, and it doesn't change anything. It confirms, in fact, so far we have not made any headway on it," Liao said.

On the positive side, Liao said he sees more patients who want to make a change in their lives by losing weight. The primary reason, he said, is that obesity usually leads to other medical conditions that can become very serious.

"Being overweight results in many other diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, joint problems and reflux or urinary problems in women specifically," Liao said.

Obesity is also expensive. Five years ago, obesity related costs totaled $147 billion in the U.S., officials said.